On September 3 some 125 guests gathered under a lighted tent to enjoy this year's annual Good Earth Farm Dinner to benefit the Delaware Botanic Gardens. Chief sponsors were Good Earth Market & Organic Farm and SoDel Concepts with its Plate Catering, led by chef Ronnie Burkle. Wines were provided by Banks Wines & Spirits, and the festive tent came from Coastal Tented Events.

Carla Markell, chair of our Advisory Council, brought her husband, Governor Jack Markell. Other political leaders there included House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf, Senator Gerald Hocker, and Representative Ron Gray. The event raised more than $50,000 from pledges made by guests and matched by the Coltman Foundation (courtesy Chuck and Charlie Coltman), sponsorships of the dinner, and a silent auction. A big attraction was a painting started by John Donato and finished with stars added by dinner guests, the first in a planned series.

One guest, Laura Schaefer of Nason Construction, summed up the evening:

"Last night proved to be yet another example of the incredible, powerful, and inspiring group of people you are. It goes without saying that the event was beautiful, the food was incredible, and the company was second to none. With all that being said, though, the truly amazing part of the evening was the feeling that I left with, and I’m sure each guest did as well. Excited, inspired, and, for lack of a better term, 'pumped up.' The energy that this project creates is contagious, and if someone came last night with doubts that the Delaware Botanic Gardens will be built, I am confident that any uncertainty and doubt was erased as they were handed their first glass of wine, or the incredible orange crushes that were literally being 'crushed' as we were handed each fresh glass."

The governor and first lady, Jack and Carla Markell, were joined by event organizers Sheryl swed and Susan Ryan, at left, and david ryan and ray sander, at right. all Photographs by Ann-Margaret Donato, courtesy good earth market & organic farm..

Delaware Botanic Gardens

The Delaware Botanic Gardens is a ten-year, multiphase plan to bring a sense of place to Delmarva with a major public garden that reflects southern Delaware’s unique coastal plain. Its mission is to create inspirational, educational, and sustainable gardens in Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. The gardens will be located on 37 acres along Piney Neck Road in Sussex County. The parcel has an ideal mix of farmland, woodland, and more than 1,000 feet of tidal waterfront on Pepper Creek.

DELAWARE BOTANIC GARDENS

Help us Open the Garden Gates!

Click below to join with others to help create this special place on Delmarva.

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Stages of the garden's creation during the multiyear effort to Open the Garden Gates:

Groundbreaking

Build the basics

Begin programs

Enlarge the endowment

Purchase initial plantings and use donated plant materials

Install temporary modular buildings

Hire the initial staff

Grand opening

Develop individual gardens

Add special features

Finish plantings

Build the staff

Final stages

Complete large permanent structures

Fully staff all operations

This botanic garden will become a special place that will enhance the quality of life here in Sussex County. Our residents and our visitors will treasure this botanic garden, which will also serve to educate all to understand the value of conservation. In keeping with the overall mission of the SCLT, the Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek will enable us to pass on the best of our values to the next generation.